Birth Injury Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Erbs palsy’

By Joseph Devine

Erb’s Palsy is a type of paralysis occurring in the upper arm due to nerve damage. The damage done to these nerves almost always takes place during childbirth-typically, during births that are abnormal or notably difficult. Excessive strain on the neck and head of the baby, or pulling on the baby during childbirth is the most common causes of this paralysis. The extent of nerve damage can vary greatly from child to child, and so can the treatment options. In some cases, the damage is minimal enough that it can heal on its own, and in other cases, a child will require physical therapy or surgery. Read the rest of this entry »

By Terry Cochran

For every 1,000 babies born every day at least 27 are victims of birth trauma. Birth injuries occur more often than most people believe and sometimes the injuries occur because of the negligence of doctors, nurses or the hospital.

Mothers have a deep respect for the doctor and nurses who helped bring their baby into the world. Because of this a very sad and tragic result is that often the mother blames herself for the birth injury. She just cannot perceive the doctor might be negligent.

Most doctors, nurses and hospitals are excellent but when malpractice is involved in a birth injury the baby and parents must be adequately compensated. And beyond compensation, it is important that responsibility be appropriately assigned so the mother does not suffer needless emotional stress.
Common birth injuries are cerebral palsy, temporary paralysis, brain damage, a fractured collar bone, seizure disorders, and specific disorders such as Erb’s Palsy, Klumpke’s Palsy, and Brachial Plexus Palsy. Read the rest of this entry »

Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency during birthing where the baby gets obstruction behind mom’s pelvic bone. If this condition let for a long time can make injury for the baby. often, the baby’s head is pulled to get the baby out quickly. This creates injury for the baby.

The use of excessive lateral traction on the head of the child when the baby’s shoulder is stuck in the birth canal can lead to nerve damage and become seriously injured. This injury is called “Erbs palsy“, “Klumpke’s palsy” or “Brachial Plexus palsy”. This nerve damage causes significant disability in the child’s hand and has a long-term effects. Most children with this injury can not use their hands and arm.

Some physicians use variety procedures to free the baby’s shoulder from the mother’s pelvis: Read the rest of this entry »